Software Engineer Review

I work at the firm 3 days per week, and study at university 2 days per week. I have normal projects just like any other employee at the firm, and work on things that genuinely matter to the business.

I've learned a great deal of new skills - both technical skills and soft skills. Many of the things you learn here can't be taught in a classroom or from a text book. It is great to see yourself and others developing as time progresses.

It is very enjoyable. It is great to have a varied week where we spend some time at work learning industry-related topics and some time at university where we can enhance are theoretical understanding. This makes for a very powerful combination as both are extremely important when it comes to Computer Science. It makes time fly by as you are always doing something different - Many of the university projects are fun and challenging. There are great opportunities for group work.

The firm evidently takes a high level of interest in the programme and wants it to succeed.

The organisation and structuring of the programme improved as time progressed, from both the university's and firm's perspective. However, there appears to be no technical learning pathway thought out by the firm across each year group - you are simply a member of whichever team you are placed in. This means that 1) There is no way of ensuring that you are progressing at a similar rate to your classmates 2) You may have a very different experience to other apprentices in your year, depending on what it is that your team works on compared to the other apprentice's teams. As a result, although you will definitely have a substantial set of technical skills on completion of the program, there is no certainty about which technical skills you will end up with. On the other hand, this does provide some benefits in that you are working on real situations that matter to the firm which provides some great work experience. Communication between the firm and university could be improved, particularly when it comes to the submission of assignments. Not being permitted to work from home, even though our university projects are 'work-based modules' and count towards our university grades is extremely frustrating.

The level of support from the university is very good. We often have very small class sizes for labs and tutorials meaning that we can get one on one help as and when we need it. The lecturers will often come in and personally help and ensure we have an adequate understanding which is very impressive. Many of the computer science lecturers are exceptional in both their skills and teaching ability, the other lab demonstrators are also very knowledgeable and helpful. We also have weekly personal advisory sessions to ensure that everybody remains on track and nobody falls behind which is important.

Because you are working in industry within a fast-paced, live environment sometimes it feels as though resources are stretched when it comes to providing support for teaching apprentices. This is particularly an issue in the first year, as the learning curve is so steep - things are incredibly confusing when you are starting out if you have no technical background, even when you try your hardest to teach yourself. The training provided for new apprentices could be improved, but you will get there eventually and it gets easier because you have progressively more knowledge. Training on the relevant technologies you will be using before you start a new project (if you haven't used that particular technology before) needs to be implemented into the programme more effectively. That being said, people are usually willing to help as and when they can.

Living and renting in London is expensive.

It is possible to get involved in most of the opportunities offered by the university as well as those offered by the firm. There are more opportunities available to you than if you were only at university. Being at the firm opens many doors for you.

Yes

It is an excellent place to start your career and provides an excellent foundation for whatever you may want to specialise in later in life. The work is challenging yet rewarding and you learn so much here every day, the development of soft skills is excellent. Everybody around you is incredibly smart.

You really need to be able to show that you have a genuine interest and passion for technology.